is a notice on park gates. The time may vary from place to place. In winter the closing time varies. Dusk is when it has not quite become dark (after sunset).

Over the years really means during a long period of time. Over the years I have come to realise…

In this day and age is a cliché frequently used when an opinion is expressed about what ought or ought not to happen in a modern civilisation.

In the dead of night is a phrase using the idea that everything is quiet at night. With nocturnal animals, shift work and “The city never sleeps” perhaps it will drop out of use!

From the dawn of time means from the very beginning.

Twelfth night is the Twelfth night of Christmas. It is the name of a play.

Epiphany is January 6 for the western Church commemorating the visit of the wise men to the Christ child. Epiphany means revelation. He was revealed to them.

Mark the occasion! with a celebration of some sort, perhaps.

Forthwith means immediately.

In quick sticks means quickly. Presumably the phrase is making use of rhyme rather than reason.

At present means now or currently.

Presently usually means soon.

Prompt is on time or quick. He arrived at 9 o’clock prompt. He arrived on the dot of 9 o’clock. He gave a prompt reply.

May Day and M’aidez sound very similar. While May Day is 1st May and has associations with Trade Unions, it is also an emergency call, particularly at sea. M’aidez means help me. One of may favourite books has May Day as the setting fro the opening chapter. It is Towers in the Mist by Elizabeth Goudge.

Here for the duration means not having any intention of moving away.

A grandfather clock isa clock in a tall case. There is a comic song about one, which is mentioned in this post by another blogger.

You can’t wind the clock back. This is often said to someone, who regrets a past decision or action. It is not a clock, but time itself, which is referred to here.

Like clockwork means regular.

Every five minutes may imply too frequently.

It’s a race against time. This saying is often used in a crisis. Time is of the essence is similar.

In less than no time is impossible, so this is an exaggeration describing something done very quickly.

Not before time is a way of saying that someone has been slow ortardy. Tard is French forlate.

It’s high time is a similar expression. The imagery may be of time building up before something occurs.

In broad daylight is an expression used about activities which ought to be hidden (or completely avoided!) 2 Samuel 12:11includes the phrase.

More than likely – but park-keepers are a thing of the past. The parks department staff have to spread themselves more thinly nowadays than in my childhood. But that was another time and another place! Sue